Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the amount of fluid (12) pumped to a using implement by a fluid distribution system (10) is the subject of this application. The apparatus includes a weir chamber (40) into which fluid diverted from a fluid supply line (22) into a return line (36) floods. A head is generated in the chamber (40), the height of the head depending upon the volumetric rate of residual flow through the return line (36). Sensing means (52, 54) are provided in the chamber (40) to sense the volumetric rate of flow of diverted fluid. The amount of fluid (12) pumped through the supply line (22) is controlled, in response to the head sensed in the weir chamber (40), by a controller unit (62) which governs operation of pumps (24) pumping fluid (12) through the supply line (22).

Abstract: A magnetic snap-action directional control valve mechanism preferably for use with a fluid pressure actuated reciprocating motor or pump (28). A driven member, represented by a tie rod assembly (42) in the described preferred embodiment, is caused to reciprocate at the same frequency as the reciprocating motor (28) due to contact of the driven member by a sealing member within the motor as represented by a piston (36) in the described preferred embodiment. The driven member includes a magnetic area which magnetically interacts with another magnetic area on the valve core of the magnetic directional control valve, thus causing the valve core (19) to also reciprocate at the motor frequency. Due to the nature of the magnetic interaction between the magnetic areas, the valve core (19) reciprocates in a snap-action fashion.

Abstract: A method and composition for preventing corrosion is disclosed. The method involves forming a coating of from about 2 to 5 mils thick on a surface, with a composition comprising an over-based alkaline earth organic sulfonate salt, a drying oil, a copper or rare earth metal drier, a zinc metal drier, a naphthenic or straight chain paraffinic oil, and petrolatum, and curing the coating. Preferably, the composition will include a copper metal drier, a zinc metal drier, and a rare earth metal drier. The method and composition are particularly useful for metal surfaces which contact sea water.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for use in a flush tank of a toilet is disclosed. The flush tank has a first water level (17) during quiescent periods and a second water level (18) when the toilet is flushed. The dispenser (10) includes a housing (11) having a top (11a) and bottom (11b). The housing (11) defines a reservoir (12) having an inlet (13) proximate the top (11a) and an outlet (14) positioned lower than the inlet (13). The reservoir (12) holds the product to be dispensed, the product dissolving in water and forms a solution. A first valve means (16) for regulating flow of water from the flush tank into the reservoir (12) through the inlet (13) is provided. The first valve means (16) is responsive to changes from the first water level (17) to the second water level (18). The second valve means (24) regulates flow of solution out of the reservoir (12 ) through the outlet (14).

Abstract: Alkylamine polyether surface active agent compositions and methods for using are described. The instant compositions are low foaming, and pH sensitive and are generally of the structure: ##STR1## in which (a) R.sub.1 may be hydrogen or alkyl;if R.sub.1 is hydrogen then R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 must be alkyl having a total number of carbon atoms falling in the range of 7 to 23;if R.sub.1 is alkyl, then R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 may be alkyl or hydrogen, the total number of carbon atoms in R.sub.1 +R.sub.2 +R.sub.3 +R.sub.4 falling in the range of 7 to 36 (preferably about 10 to 20);(b) The --(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.m -- segment must be a poly(oxyethylene) homogeneous chain or "block" polymer (i.e., a homopolymer), m having an average value in the range of 1 to 15, preferably 5 to 13; and(c) Y is selected from the group consisting of:(1) homogeneous poly(oxypropylene) chain (PO) "block" polymer or residue (i.e., a homopolymer), of the structure --(C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.

Abstract: A backflushing system capable of being used with an automatic milking device is the subject of this patent application. The system includes a control cam (54) which can be moved linearly to effectuate the various functions. The cam (54) has formed thereon a plurality of lands (64, 66, 68, 70) which operate various actuators (92, 94, 96). The various flushing functions and operation of a fail-safe valve (30) are governed by the actuators (92, 94, 96). In a preferred embodiment, the cam (54) is movable in both forward and reverse directions and is so controlled by a toggle switch (72), movable between two positions, which operates a two position, five way regulation valve (58).

Abstract: Methods of foam inhibition or depression in industrial milieu. The present methods generally involve the use of certain nonionic surfactants having the structure:R.sub.1 --(OC.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.x --(OC.sub.3 H.sub.6).sub.y --OHwherein R.sub.1 is a monovalent organic hydrophobic moiety or hydrophobe, preferably selected from the group consisting of long chain or higher molecular weight primary or secondary alcohols, alkyphenols, or mixtures thereof; x is the value of the average number of moles or units of ethylene oxide per defoamer molecule and has a value in the range of 3 to 20, preferably 5 to 15; y is the average number of moles or units of propylene oxide per molecule of defoamer and has a value in the range of from 15 to 60, preferably 20 to 50.

Abstract: Particulate silica or silicate made hydrophobic by heat treatment to form a reaction product with a hydrophobic alcohol, process for its preparation, and its use in defoaming compositions.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a tote box (14) and the contents thereof is disclosed. A tote box support (16) is secured to conveyor chain (20) which are mounted on pulleys (32). Pneumatic motor (36) drives rotatable shafts (34) which are secured to the pulleys (32). This provides a means for supporting the tote box (14) in a load position and an unload position, and also a means for transferring the tote box (14) between the load and unload positions. A contents washing container (40) is disposed in fixed relationship with respect to the supporting and transferring means and is pivotally mounted for movement between first and second positions. In the first position, the container (40) is in a position to receive the contents from the tote box (14), when in the unload position. The container (40) in the second position, is in a position to empty the contents into the tote box (14), when in the load position.

Abstract: A detergent dispenser (20) for efficiently converting one or more solid block detergent compositions into concentrated detergent solutions is disclosed. A housing (12) configured for mounting to a solid surface defines a substantially enclosed inner cavity (30), and access and discharge ports (32) and (34) opening into the inner cavity. Retaining means (40) holds a charge of solid block detergent composition (100-103), which may include a plurality of different and even chemically incompatible detergent composition components, in fixed predetermined position within the inner cavity, exposing at least one broad surface (100a) of the detergent block. Nozzle means (61) projects into the cavity and directs a pressurized liquid spray against substantially the entire exposed detergent surface(s), dissolving a portion thereof, which is collected by the housing (30b) and passes through the discharge port. The nozzle means may be disposed above or below the exposed detergent surface.

Abstract: The contents of an open-top tote box are cleaned by flooding the tote box while the tote box is horizontal at a first position with a volume of cleaning solution at least twice that of the tote box so that the solution flows over the open top of the tote box; indexing the tote box to a second position where the flooding operation is repeated; indexing the tote box to a third position where an apertured cover is placed over its open top and then rotating the tote box less than 180.degree. to remove cleaning solution from the tote box through the cover.

Abstract: Stabilized cleaning compositions comprise a biochemical soil degrading enzyme, a slow release oxidant bleach composition and an effective amount of a reducing agent to prevent the appearance of an enzyme deactivating concentration of oxidant bleach composition permitting the enzyme to degrade biochemical soils before bleaching action begins.

Abstract: A method for controlling bloat comprising administering to a ruminant nonionic surfactants comprising alkyl polypropyleneoxy-polyethyleneoxy polyethers.

Abstract: Sanitizing concentrate and "use" compositions comprising aliphatic, short chain fatty acid (i.e., C.sub.6 -C.sub.14 fatty acid), hydrotrope or solubilizer for the fatty acid, hydrotrope-compatible acid so that the concentrate, when diluted with a major amount of water provides a use solution having a pH in the range of 2.0 to 5.0. Sanitizing of substantially fixed, "in-place" processing lines in dairies, breweries and other food processing operations is a particular utility of this invention.

Abstract: A mastitis controlling method and composition based upon anionic surfactants of the formulaR--AO.sub.x.sup.- M.sup.+which generally includes organic sulfonates, sulfonic acids, phosphonates and phosphates, the composition being maintained in a pH range of 2.0 to 5.0 (preferably 2.1 to 4.0, and most preferably 2.5 to 3.5). Rapid kill of mastitis-causing gram positive and gram negative microorganisms is achieved in the practice of the instant method.

Abstract: Slag buildup in high-temperature areas of a furnace system is minimized by adding to the molten ash particles carried by the flue gas a conditioner which is taken up by those molten particles and produces a nucleating effect when those particles cool, causing them to solidify more rapidly, thereby preventing deposit formation or resulting in considerably more friable deposits.

Abstract: A fail-safe valve (10) for precluding contamination of fluid, such as milk, having passed through a main fluid flow line (12) from an input end, such as a milking claw, to a collection and storage tank is the subject of this application. A flushing conduit (46) through which flushing water or a sanitizing agent flows intersects the main fluid flow line (12).A pinching element (54) is provided with a first arm (56) for pinching closed the main line (12) at a resilient portion thereof down-flow from the intersection (48) of the conduit (46) with the main line (12). The element (54) also includes a second arm (58) which is angularly spaced from the first arm (56). The pinching element (54) is mounted for pivoting about an axis so that, when the element (54) is in its first position, the main line (12) will be pinched closed. With the element (54) in this first position, the flushing conduit (46) will not be occluded.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for bleaching and removal of mycological stain are disclosed. The method includes the step of contacting the mycological stain with the composition which includes an improved thixotropic, hypohalite bleach having fumed silica therein. Unexpected potentiation of the composition with respect to bleaching of mycological stain is found.

Abstract: Neutral to mildly acidic externally-applied mastitis control agents comparable to iodophor teat dips in activity can be obtained from the combination of an anionic surfactant (e.g. an aromatic sulfonate or sulfonic acid) and an aminocarboxylic-type chelating agent. A nitroalkanol antibacterial can be included in the composition. The full strength teat dip contains a major amount of water (but less than 98%) and typically includes an emollient, a buffering agent, and a thickener. The anionic surfactant (which is believed to be effective against gram positive mastitis-causing organisms) and the chelating agent appear to cooperate in the pH range above 4 and below 7. The chelating agent is believed to improve the cell wall permeability of the mastitis-causing organisms, even in this pH range.